The present disclosure provides computer vision systems and methods for an aircraft. The computer vision systems and methods identify a runway based on video frame data from a camera mounted to the aircraft, extract runway pixel positions associated with the runway, determine the aircraft position in a real world coordinate frame based on the pixel positions, the aircraft position including an aircraft lateral position and an aircraft elevation, receive predefined aircraft position data and go-around rules for a compliant approach to the runway, calculate an aircraft position deviation based on the aircraft position and the predefined aircraft position data, determine whether the aircraft position deviation is in conformance with the go-around rules, and output an indication of conformity with the go-around rules.
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5. The computer vision system of claim 1, wherein the runway pixel positions comprise at least three runway pixel positions.
6. The computer vision system of claim 1, wherein the reference aircraft position data is received from a global positioning system.
A computer vision system for aircraft tracking and positioning uses a camera to capture images of an aircraft in flight. The system processes these images to determine the aircraft's position relative to a reference point. To enhance accuracy, the system receives reference aircraft position data from a global positioning system (GPS). This GPS data provides precise location coordinates, which are used to calibrate or validate the position estimates derived from the computer vision analysis. The system may also incorporate additional sensors or data sources to refine tracking performance, such as inertial measurement units (IMUs) or radar systems. By combining visual tracking with GPS data, the system achieves more reliable and accurate aircraft positioning, which is critical for applications like air traffic management, collision avoidance, and autonomous flight operations. The integration of GPS ensures that the system can correct for potential errors in visual tracking, such as those caused by environmental conditions or occlusions. This approach improves the overall robustness of the aircraft tracking solution.
11. The aircraft of claim 7, wherein the runway pixel positions comprise at least three runway pixel positions.
This invention relates to aircraft systems for detecting and tracking runway positions using image processing. The problem addressed is the need for accurate runway detection to assist in aircraft navigation, particularly during landing approaches. The system captures images of the runway using an onboard camera and processes these images to identify and track specific pixel positions on the runway. These pixel positions are used to determine the aircraft's position relative to the runway, improving navigation accuracy and safety. The system includes an image sensor mounted on the aircraft to capture runway images, a processor to analyze the images and identify runway pixel positions, and a tracking module to monitor these positions over time. The processor applies image processing techniques to detect runway features, such as markings or edges, and extracts at least three distinct pixel positions from the runway. These positions are used to calculate the aircraft's lateral and vertical alignment with the runway, providing real-time feedback to the pilot or autopilot system. The tracking module ensures continuous monitoring of these positions, even under varying lighting or environmental conditions, to maintain reliable navigation data. By using multiple runway pixel positions, the system enhances accuracy and robustness compared to single-point detection methods. This improves landing safety, especially in low-visibility conditions or when traditional navigation aids are unavailable. The invention is applicable to both commercial and military aircraft, supporting enhanced situational awareness and automated landing capabilities.
12. The computer vision system of claim 7, wherein the reference aircraft position data is received from a global positioning system.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the runway pixel positions comprise at least three runway pixel positions.
A system and method for detecting and analyzing runway pixel positions in an image or video frame, particularly for applications in aviation safety, autonomous navigation, or computer vision-based landing assistance. The technology addresses the challenge of accurately identifying runway locations in varying environmental conditions, such as low visibility or poor lighting, where traditional methods may fail. The method involves capturing an image or video frame containing a runway and processing the image to identify at least three distinct pixel positions corresponding to the runway. These positions are used to determine the runway's orientation, position, and other geometric properties. The system may employ computer vision techniques, such as edge detection, pattern recognition, or machine learning algorithms, to enhance detection accuracy. The identified runway pixel positions are then used to generate guidance information for aircraft landing systems, autonomous vehicles, or other navigation applications. The method ensures reliable runway detection by leveraging multiple reference points, improving robustness in dynamic or challenging environments. The system may also integrate with existing aviation infrastructure, such as GPS or inertial navigation systems, to provide redundant or complementary data for enhanced safety and precision.
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January 22, 2021
October 25, 2022
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